Kristina Worton, LCSW-C, Founder & Therapist

Hello & Welcome

I’ve always been curious about people and the stories, relationships, emotions, and experiences that shape their lives. That curiosity, along with my own life experiences and a desire to help others, eventually led me to become a therapist.

Who I Work With

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, self-worth concerns, people-pleasing, relationship difficulties, and emotional overwhelm. I also support people who are working through childhood emotional wounds or the effects of growing up in an environment where their feelings were dismissed or invalidated.

I also enjoy working with couples who feel disconnected or caught in the same painful patterns. They may struggle with recurring conflict, communication difficulties, or feeling misunderstood even though they care deeply about one another.

One of the most meaningful parts of couples therapy is helping partners look beneath blame and conflict to better understand the emotions and unmet needs driving their interactions. Most of us are doing the best we can with what we were taught, what was modeled for us, and what we have experienced in our own lives.

Relationships are not perfect, and going through a difficult period does not mean a relationship is broken. Sometimes couples need help slowing down, communicating in a new way, and building a stronger sense of safety and connection with each other.

My Approach to Therapy

My approach is warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that people make sense in the context of what they have lived through. I help clients understand themselves with curiosity and compassion instead of shame or judgment.

The relationship between therapist and client matters a great deal to me. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can be honest, feel understood, and show up as yourself. Clients often describe me as down-to-earth, validating, genuine, and approachable.

Our sessions may include insight, education, practical tools, laughter, tears, honest conversations, quiet reflection, and the occasional swear word. Therapy does not need to feel cold, intimidating, or overly clinical. I believe healing is more likely when you feel safe enough to be yourself and supported as you learn more about who you are.

My work draws from several approaches, including CBT, IFS-informed interventions, mindfulness, self-compassion, attachment-based therapy, psychoeducation, and strategies that focus on the body and nervous system. I do not believe in using the same approach with everyone. Therapy is shaped around your needs, goals, comfort level, and pace.

Why I Created Serenity Counseling Services

I founded Serenity Counseling Services in 2022 because I wanted to build a practice where therapists feel supported, respected, trusted, and able to do their work in a sustainable way.

My goal was to create a culture centered on authenticity, autonomy, compassion, and human connection for both clients and clinicians. When therapists are valued and given the support they need, they are better able to provide thoughtful, meaningful care to their clients.

Outside of Therapy

Outside of work, my greatest joy is my family, especially my son, who brings plenty of laughter, perspective, and meaning to my life. I also love being outdoors, spending time in the sunshine, traveling, connecting with friends, and making time for the people and experiences that help me feel grounded and present.

Final Thoughts

Reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you are already overwhelmed. You do not need to know exactly what to say, and you do not have to have everything figured out before you begin.

My hope is to offer a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, supported in what you are going through, and more confident in your ability to create lasting change.

Education, Licensure and Specialized Training

Bachelor of Science in Psychology — Towson University 2015
Master of Social Work — Salisbury University 2019
Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW-C)
Practicing in the mental health field since 2015
Licensed therapist since 2019
Training and experience in CBT, trauma-informed care, IFS-informed approaches, mindfulness, self-compassion work, somatic/nervous-system-focused interventions, and couples therapy
Ferentz Institute Certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment - Level 1 Completed June 2020

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